How to Get Rid of a Chesty Cough

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Coughs that contain phlegm are called productive coughs, chesty coughs, or wet coughs. Phlegm is generally a sign that there is inflammation or infection. [1] If you find yourself experiencing a wet or chesty cough, try any of the following remedies below, or see your healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions, like pneumonia. We also spoke with licensed acupuncturist and herbalist Erica Docimo, L.Ac., Dipl., O.M., for natural ways to soothe a cough without medication.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Common Remedies

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  1. Since most coughs are caused by a cold or flu, it is important to rest. [2] This helps you get better and reduces the risk of spreading germs.
    • Take a sick day from work or school to rest your body and reduce the chances of infecting others. [3]
  2. Use a vaporizer or cool-mist humidifier to moisten the air in your home and ease coughing. [4] If you don't have these things, take a hot shower or inhale steam from a boiling pot of water. [5]
    • If you take a hot shower, close the bathroom door to trap the steam inside. This can help you breathe better because it helps loosen congestion.
    • “For dry or productive coughs, taking a steamy shower will help open and hydrate your airways. You can also inhale steam over a pot of moderately hot water, making sure it’s not too hot to breathe in through your mouth and nose,” says Docimo.
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  3. Drinking a lot of fluids can help your cough by loosening congestion. Try to drink water all day long. In addition to water, try warm liquids, such as tea or warm lemon water with honey. [6]
    • You can also drink juice, clear broth, or chicken soup.
  4. When you are feeling sick, eat simple foods that are easily digestible. Avoid foods that are high in fiber and fat. [7] Also, make sure you eat multiple small meals. This supports your immune system and helps you feel better faster. [8]
    • Eat soup, fruits and vegetables, and soothing spices, like ginger and turmeric.
  5. Ointments that contain menthol can open the airways and provide relief for coughs. [9] They act as expectorants, which can improve your cough. [10] Try Vick’s VapoRub, Mentholatum, or a similar topical ointment.
    • Rub a small amount onto your chest and around your nose. The smell and exposure to the menthol can help loosen your cough.
  6. If these treatments don’t provide any relief, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. You may be dealing with a more serious condition. [11]
    • If you’re coughing up a thick, greenish-yellow phlegm, are wheezing, or have a fever, see a doctor. Seek emergency care if you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing, having chest pains, choking or vomiting, or coughing up bloody or pink-tinged phlegm. [12]
    • These treatments above can be used while you’re taking pain relievers, antibiotics, and most other treatments. If you are already seeing a physician, continue with their recommended treatments.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Coughing Treatments

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  1. A good way to make yourself cough up when you have a wet cough is through controlled coughing. Start seated in a comfortable place with both feet on the floor. Cross your arms over your abdomen, breathing in slowly through your nose. Lean forward and press your arms against your abdomen. Cough two to three times in sharp, short bursts. The second and third coughs should loosen the phlegm enough to cough it out. Spit it out. [13]
    • Breathe in again through your nose so the mucus will not move back down your throat.
    • Rest a moment, then repeat the process if you still have mucus.
  2. Start sitting down with your chin slightly raised. Take a slow and deep breath until your lungs are about 75% full. Hold your breath for two to three seconds, then exhale slowly but strongly. Repeat one or two more times, then follow with one strong cough to clear mucus from your smaller to larger airways. [14]
    • It usually takes four to five cycles of huff breathing to clear enough mucus. [15]
    • The stronger the breath, the more mucus you will push out.
    • Don't overtire yourself.
  3. Chest physical therapy is a method helpful for children and adults that loosens mucus stuck to the lungs. This requires a partner, so get someone to help you. Start with the congested person lying down with her chest raised about 45 degrees. Using a cupped hand, gently tap your hand on the area between the nipple and collarbone on the left side of the chest. Continue to tap your hand, using gentle but firm pressure, for two minutes. [16] Repeat on the same area on the right side of the chest. To help clear the rest of your lungs, repeat the cupped hand tapping on:
    • Over the shoulder blade on the left and right side of the back, after moving to a seated position, leaning over a pillow in your lap
    • On the front sides, on the left and right, while lying flat on the back
    • On the sides, on the left and right, while alternating lying on both sides with the arms over the head
    • On the upper back, above the edge of the ribs on both sides, while lying flat on the stomach
    • You may cough during and for up to two hours after CPT. Even if no mucus comes up, the CPT is working. [17]
    • This technique is often used with children and adults with cystic fibrosis.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Natural Herbal Expectorants

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  1. Some believe expectorant herbs make it easier to expel mucus from the upper respiratory tract. [18] Depending on how you choose to use them, you can use essential oils or dried herbs. These essential oils or dried herbs have antibacterial, antifungal, or antiseptic properties, in addition to the expectorant properties, meaning they can kill bacteria and other microorganisms. [19] Expectorant herbs include:
    • Eucalyptus
    • Elecampane
    • Slippery Elm
    • Fennel
    • Garlic
    • Hyssop
    • Mullein
    • Thyme
    • Mint
    • Mustard seed
    • Nutmeg
    • Elderflower
    • Cinnamon
    • According to Docimo, adding “eucalyptus to your shower [can] further dilate the bronchioles of the lungs and reduce coughing.”
  2. Tea is a great way to ingest expectorant herbs to reduce your cough. Measure out one teaspoon of your dried herb of choice or three teaspoons of fresh herbs. Steep the herb in one cup of boiled water for five to ten minutes. [20]
    • Drink four to six cups a day.
    • Add honey and lemon to taste. They both have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can also help soothe your cough. Do not give honey to children under one year old. [21]
    • Garlic and mustard seed tend to be strong and can be irritating. If you make teas with these herbs, drink them slowly.
    • “Turmeric and honey tea, peppermint tea, and ginger tea are all useful for reducing swelling of mucous membranes and opening the airways,” says Docimo.
  3. Some believe inhaling steam with herbs can help relieve your cough and congestion in the sinuses and lungs. [22] You can use either the dried herbs or the essential oils of many of these herbs. Both can be effective and depend on your preferences and what you have available.
    • Add one to two drops of any essential oils made from expectorant herbs or one to two teaspoons of the dried herb to boiling water. Start with one drop per one quart of water. Once you add the herbs, boil for another minute, turn off the heat, and move the pot to a comfortable area.
    • Drape a cotton towel over your head and hold your head over the steaming pot. Keep your face at least 9 inches away from the water to avoid scalding yourself. Close your eyes, and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth for 5-10 minutes. [23]
    • You can do this treatment 1-2 times a day. [24]
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Join the Discussion...

Home remedies to get rid of a cough
WikiLemurFlyer769
WikiLemurFlyer769
I've got that cold that's going around and have an awful cough that's driving me nuts and keeping me up at night. Does anyone have good DIY solutions for a cough? I can go buy something cheap from a pharmacy and am also open to home remedies. What actually works??
Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH
Board Certified Pediatrician & Board Certified Integrative Medicine Doctor
One of the best options is elderberry syrup. It can reduce the duration of a flu or cold by several days. It comes as a delicious sweet syrup (and it’s safe for children as young as 1 year of age). Once you’re over your bug, I’d recommend taking a little elderberry syrup at least once a day to boost your immunity and help prevent colds going forward. Zinc and Vitamin D can be taken regularly as well to help treat and prevent colds and flus. While you’re treating your cough, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest as both can help boost your immunity and give your throat time to rest. Ginger in tea or capsule form is also a natural immune booster and antiviral remedy, too. Good luck and feel better.
Anonymous WikiFawn
Anonymous WikiFawn
Bro. I have a super DRY cough but no phlem I cant stop, like I cant. Its diving me nuts. Now my stomach muscles are sore,and my throught hurts.
See all 9 Replies and
Read Discussion

Clear Congestion With This Expert Series

Living with congestion is hard. Decongest and get rid of your cough or breathing issues naturally with these expert articles.
1
How to Clear Chest Congestion & Get Rid of Symptoms Fast
2
Get Rid of a Chesty Cough
3
Decongest Naturally
4
Heal the Lungs Naturally
5
Improve Your Breathing
6
Relieve Head Congestion

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      Warnings

      • Deep chest coughs place the patient at risk for developing a bacterial infection. Monitor for breathing difficulty, symptomatic shortness of breath, and an inability to oxygenate, which can cause dizziness and confusion. If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. [25]
        Thanks
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      • When in doubt, see your physician for an evaluation. You may have an infection that needs to be treated with medication and won't respond to herbal remedies. [26]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24636-coughing-up-phlegm
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cough/
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-ways-to-combat-coughs-and-colds
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-ways-to-combat-coughs-and-colds
      5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stop-coughing
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403
      7. ↑ https://health.osu.edu/wellness/exercise-and-nutrition/foods-to-avoid-with-flu
      8. ↑ https://health.umms.org/2024/01/10/what-to-eat-when-you-are-sick/
      9. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9354706/
      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22078-expectorant
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough#possible-causes https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/cough/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050846
      4. ↑ https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-hub/health-resource/treatments-and-procedures/controlled-coughing
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8697-huff-cough
      6. ↑ https://www.cff.org/managing-cf/coughing-and-huffing
      7. ↑ https://www.cff.org/managing-cf/chest-physical-therapy#how-to-do-it
      8. ↑ https://www.pedilungdocs.com/education/how-to-do-chest-pt-cpt-children-adolescents-adults.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.herbalreality.com/western-action/expectorant/
      10. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7767362/
      11. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/diy-herbal-teas/
      12. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/honey-for-sore-throat-and-cough
      13. ↑ https://www.anaturalchoice.org/blog/steam-inhalation-treatment
      14. ↑ https://nwim.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Herbal-Steam-Inhalation.pdf
      15. ↑ https://www.anaturalchoice.org/blog/steam-inhalation-treatment
      16. ↑ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/05/cough-culprits
      17. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/acute-bronchitis/about/index.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get rid of a chesty cough, try taking a hot shower with the door closed and breathing in the steam. If your cough still won’t go away, drink hot beverages like tea, warm water, broth, or soup. For additional relief, try using a menthol rub like Vick’s VapoRub, rubbing it on your chest and around your nose. Add even more humidity to the air by setting up a humidifier in your bedroom, which may make it easier to sleep. To learn our Nurse reviewer’s advice on how to use herbs to alleviate your cough, keep reading!

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